ROCHDALE 14-24 BULLDOGS

The Bulldogs ground out a 3rd successive Kingstone Press Championship victory, against a determined Rochdale Hornets.

The home side made the perfect start as a Batley error from the kick-off handed them possession and a well worked move saw Lewis Galbraith score in the corner, the conversion attempt fell wide giving Hornets a 4-0 start.

After a tight opening quarter The Bulldogs took control with scores from Adam Gledhill and Shaun Ainscough, Walker converting both before adding a penalty. Jake Eccleston hit back after a series of penalties but again the conversion failed and the visitors led 14-8 at half time.

The second period was much closer with both sides sharing possession without really threatening the opponents line until Gary Middlehurst crossed for the Hornets, a conversion levelled the scores.

The Bulldogs held their nerve though despite Rochdale having the majority of possession and a towering kick from Walker saw Full Back Kay spill the ball after a fabulously timed tackle by Joel Farrell & Jason Crookes. From the resulting set The Bulldogs were awarded a penalty 10m in field and Walker kept up his perfect record to edge his side in front. Shortly after the Hornets spilled the ball in their own half, Jason Crookes raced away to be held short of the line before Alistair Leak burrowed over in the corner, Walker converted. From the resulting kick-off the ball went dead and Walker again coolly slotted over a penalty from halfway to give Matt Diskin’s side a hard earned victory.